Saturday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Added distance should suit In the Dark
Belmont at the Big A | Race 5 | Post Time 3:06 p.m. (ET)
Likely favorite Wicked Improbable (#4) merits respect coming off his near miss at this level last time. He was pretty green on debut when getting a wide trip over a turf course that was favoring the inside path. He ran a much more professional race last time, showing newfound early speed. He got reeled in late and may have benefited from the experience. He figures to be prominent early once agai,n but there does appear to be a bit more pace signed on this time.
Disclaimer (#3) contested the other division of the Aug. 8 maiden race that the morning-line favorite exits. This colt displayed significant improvement upon switching to turf off a layoff for John Terranova. He chased a moderate pace outside and just couldn't quite forge past the leader before both were passed late. He should have gained some fitness in his return, and will be dangerous if he steps forward again.
There are some more experienced alternatives to consider. Vintage Vino (#8) has certainly earned speed figures that make him a contender in this race, but I didn't like that he seemed to take a step backwards second off the layoff last time. I'm also not sure that he's at his best going quite this short. Distance is also a question for Cuando (#7), who probably wants to go shorter. He's had so many chances, but he is another who has earned some speed figures that put him in the mix. I still want to go in another direction.
In the Dark (#1) appears to have upside as he stretches out for the first time. This gelding showed some promise on debut at Monmouth, chasing home a winning first-time starter who came back to validate that form by running well against winners. In the Dark was subsequently entered in another sprint at Saratoga and didn't get the most comfortable trip. He was shuffled back on the turn before staying on belatedly along the rail, hitting his best stride too late. He is bred to go longer being out of a dam who was a multiple turf route winner. I expect him to appreciate added ground, and I think we could see him forwardly placed as he's reunited with jockey Samy Camacho.